Dalhousie students once again demonstrate that when it comes to work-integrated learning, they are eager to make an impact on the organizations they work for while gaining valuable skills and knowledge for the future.
In 2024, 72 students were nominated for Top Co-op Student of the Year, proving that Dalhousie students are making an impact on their employers every day.
Each year, Dalhousie’s co-op offices — Management Career Services and Work-Integrated Learning & Co-operative Education — celebrate these work-integrated learning experiences along with the employer partners who make them happen at the Dalhousie Top Co-op Awards. This year’s celebration took place on Tuesday (March 18) at the Atlantica Hotel during National Co-op & WIL Month.
Keep reading to learn about the five exceptional students chosen as the 2024 Top Co-op Students of the Year.
Grace O’Connor, Engineering Co-op, Chemical Engineering
Grace O’Connor saw an opportunity where others saw a choice. Rather than choosing between chemistry and engineering, she pursued both, blending theory with application. She is pursuing a dual degree in Chemistry and Chemical Engineering and a certificate in Biomedical Engineering.
Grace’s passion for chemistry started in high school. As she explored engineering at Dalhousie, she realized the two fields complemented each other perfectly. "Through the co-op program, I was able to apply for jobs that combined engineering and chemistry, allowing me to see the connections between the two fields," she says.
Grace’s first co-op was as a student lab technician at Bureau Veritas in Calgary, where she gained extensive lab experience. "I was responsible for processing client samples and performing tests, validating data and results, managing the GRV area, and communicating with other groups in the laboratory," she explains.
For her second co-op, she joined Solid State Pharma as a research intern, exploring the use of supercritical carbon dioxide as a solvent for praziquantel cocrystal formation. She analyzed data using X-ray powder diffraction, optical and scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry.
"The work I did became part of a recently published research paper, which is an incredible opportunity as an undergraduate student," she reflects.
The work I did became part of a recently published research paper, which is an incredible opportunity as an undergraduate student
Her third co-op took her to Dalhousie’s Department of Physics & Atmospheric Science and the School of Biomedical Engineering, where she researched fibers for tissue scaffolds using marine collagen from commercial waste. Grace played a key role in discovering a new method to produce protein microfibers, significantly impacting how her research group and 3D BioFibR approach microfiber fabrication. Her final presentation to stakeholders was highly regarded, and she won third place for her poster at Atlantic BIOCON 2024 in Halifax.
Through these experiences, Grace developed independence in tackling research challenges and gained confidence in her problem-solving skills. "I’ve learned a lot about myself and what I want in my career through the co-op program," she says.
Her co-op journey solidified her interest in research and its real-world applications, shaping her aspirations for graduate studies and a career in scientific innovation. "The co-op program has had a profound effect on me over the course of my undergraduate experience, and I believe it has set me up for success post-graduation," she adds.
She encourages other students to explore diverse co-op experiences to discover their interests. "Give yourself the opportunity to try as many things as possible so you find what you like. But don’t stress too much about it," she advises.
As she moves forward, Grace is eager to continue pushing the boundaries of research, using science to solve real-world problems.
Masti Patel, Computer Science Co-op, Bachelor of Computer Science
Masti Patel’s journey into tech started with a simple curiosity: how do things work behind the code? Learning popular programming languages in high school set her on a path of discovery that led to a career in automation and cloud engineering. Inspired by Dalhousie senior students who spoke highly of its strong co-op program and diverse, supportive environment, she was confident it was the perfect place to transform her curiosity into a career.
Her co-op journey started with a web-development elective that helped her land her first role as a business information systems specialist at Halifax Learning. There, Masti migrated and standardized data in HubSpot CRM, automated class scheduling workflows, and developed a personalized email generator to streamline communications. “Developing a personalized email generator saved significant time and showed me how automation can improve routine tasks,” she says.
The initial exposure to automation sparked her interest in a course about automoation and robotics, setting the stage for her next co-op at Scotia Investments. Here, she refactored more than 10 websites across Wix and WordPress, improving performance and usability. "It taught me the importance of creating user-friendly, high-performance designs,” she says. She also automated SharePoint processes to enhance report management, gaining hands-on experience in data visualization and real-time tracking.
By the time she started her third work term at Manulife, Masti was ready to take on even bigger challenges. As a cloud engineer, she developed a GitHub Action to automate chain releases, ensuring smoother deployments across multiple repositories. She also integrated SnykScan for automatic vulnerability detection, helping improve security across projects. One of her most impactful projects were automating SharePoint processes, an initiative she identified and led herself. “These projects not only strengthened my technical skills but also taught me the importance of responsibility and teamwork, which are valuable for my career in cloud engineering,” she says.
These projects not only strengthened my technical skills but also taught me the importance of responsibility and teamwork
Looking back, Masti sees co-op as more than just a stepping stone; it was a defining experience that shaped her career trajectory. Each work term allowed her to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings, deepening her interest in cloud engineering and automation. Beyond technical skills, she developed the ability to adapt quickly, communicate professionally, and approach challenges with a problem-solving mindset. “Each experience deepened my understanding and prepared me for a dynamic professional environment,” she says.
She encourages future co-op students to start the job search early, build meaningful connections, and go beyond assigned tasks by seeking ways to improve and innovate. "Stepping outside your comfort zone and merging different interests can open unexpected doors," she says.
With a strong foundation in cloud engineering and automation, Masti is ready to lead the next wave of innovation in her field.
Grace Alberts, Science & Sustainability Co-op, Environment, Sustainability & Society
For Grace Alberts, co-op wasn’t just about gaining experience; it was the key to blending environmental science with global impact. A combined honours student in Environmental Science and Sustainability at Dalhousie, she chose the university for its co-op opportunities. Passionate about sustainability, she wanted to leverage her skills for societal benefit.
"I have always been deeply passionate about helping people and using my skills to benefit society as a whole. The degree at Dalhousie checked all the boxes," she says. Her coursework, particularly in Global Environmental Governance and Conflict Negotiation and Sustainability, provided a strong foundation that prepared her for the high-level policy work she would later engage in.
Grace’s first co-op work term was as a research coordinator at Net Zero Atlantic, where she gained administrative experience and honed her technical communication skills. This role not only strengthened her ability to present complex topics to general audiences but also expanded her professional network. "This experience taught me the administrative skills that have allowed me to thrive in the remainder of my co-op placements and was pivotal to my development of a professional network,” she reflects.
Her second work term brought her to the Cape Eleuthera Institute at the Island School in Eleuthera, Bahamas, where she served as a sustainable systems intern. "This experience wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the co-op office and the experience I gained at NZA,” she adds. Here, Grace mentored seven high school research students, teaching them the fundamentals of the scientific method, proposal writing, and data analysis. "I learned so much about myself, and I am confident that without having had this co-op experience, I would not have had the period of growth that I did," she reflects.
Without having had this co-op experience, I would not have had the period of growth that I did
Her third and most recent work term was as a global environmental cooperation and multilateralism trainee at the European Commission in Brussels, Belgium. She worked at the heart of environmental negotiations, attending high-level meetings, preparing EU statements, and contributing to policy discussions. "This experience cemented my desire to pursue international relations and postgraduate studies in law," she says.
Through her co-op journey, Grace developed invaluable skills that extended far beyond the classroom. She became adept at communicating complex environmental policies, preparing background notes and speeches, and contributing to high-level discussions. "The opportunities I’ve had through co-op have given me skills and experience that surpass those of a traditional early-career professional," she says.
Her advice to future co-op students is simple: embrace diverse opportunities. "You don’t know what you’re interested in until you’re in it," she advises.
From coordinating local research to shaping international environmental policy, Grace’s co-op experiences have been nothing short of transformative. With an impressive portfolio of experiences, she is well-equipped to make a lasting impact on sustainability and global governance.
Shyla Gupta, Bachelor of Commerce Co-op
Shyla Gupta’s co-op journey was shaped by a simple but powerful realization — it’s okay to ask questions. “I always felt that every task that I was given, I should know exactly how to do it. But that was wrong,” she says. As she gained experience, she discovered that true success comes from taking risks and embracing the learning process. “I think the biggest difference from when I started to when I ended my co-ops was my comfort in asking questions,” she says. “I learned that it’s okay to take risks, make mistakes, and ask questions. That’s how we learn.”
Shyla’s first co-op at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) was an exciting step in her professional development, as working at a Big Four accounting firm is a dream for many students in the field. She saw this as the perfect opportunity to dive into the world of audit, and the experience pushed her outside her comfort zone as she interacted with clients and analyzed real-world financial statements. Having played tennis for years, she saw parallels between sports and professional growth. “Your first ever interview for your first co-op is definitely scary, but each year when you’re applying to new co-op positions and doing interview after interview, it gets better.” Just as practice builds skill in a sport, she found that stepping into new situations at work became easier with time.
While she enjoyed her experience at PwC, it allowed her to consider whether audit was the area she wanted to work in post-graduation. This led her to completing her second and third co-ops at the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), where she was given opportunities to explore tax at a deeper level. “My team leader gave me the opportunity to explore larger files, and I tried to learn as much as I possibly could.” She also took on a mentorship role, helping new co-op students transition into the workplace by sharing resources and guidance she wished she had when she first started.
Graduating no longer seems scary to me. In fact, I am really excited.
Beyond technical skills, co-op gave Shyla unexpected personal growth. “I didn’t realize how much of an impact co-op would have on my social life,” she says, reflecting on the friendships she built at CRA. “I also learned to watch others around me and learn from them. I learned their organization techniques and was able to adapt.” Seeing how CRA supported charitable initiatives made her even more eager to work for organizations that align with her values.
Shyla is grateful for the lessons her co-op journey has provided. “The most important thing is that you learn as much as you can and take something away from your experience that will help you shape your post-graduate job decisions.” As she finishes her degree, Shyla is proud to say that Dalhousie’s Commerce Co-op program has kickstarted her professional career by helping her pinpoint which field she is most interested in pursuing post-graduation. With this knowledge, she is ready to embrace the transition from student to professional with confidence. "Graduating no longer seems scary to me. In fact, I am really excited!”
Emma MacDonald, Architecture & Planning Co-op, Master of Planning
Emma MacDonald’s journey into planning began long before she recognized it as a career path. A Master of Planning student at Dalhousie University, she has always wanted to create meaningful change.
Her passion for problem-solving and improving communities was sparked by an international internship in Nepal, where she researched wastewater infrastructure in the capital, analyzing project management challenges and the role of government aid. This experience, coupled with her work at an Indigenous-led education centre, deepened her appreciation for community-driven initiatives and ultimately inspired her to pursue a career in planning — a field that enables her to address inefficiencies, develop solutions, and create lasting improvements in people’s lives.
“I’ve always been interested in the behind-the-scenes of how a city works and functions,” she reflects. “Learning about how inefficiencies happen and how to solve them — that’s what excites me. It’s about making people’s lives better and giving back to the community I’m a part of.”
Emma’s co-op experience at OSO planning + design in Halifax was the perfect opportunity to apply her academic knowledge in real-world contexts. “Academically, I felt prepared,” she says. “I had the foundational skills I needed to understand what was going on at my co-op and transfer what I’d learned in school to the projects I was working on.” Her projects were diverse, ranging from policy development to hands-on community engagement. She supported engagement session preparation and delivery for a comprehensive community plan, co-wrote a policy and design rationale for a development agreement application, and helped secure funding for a capacity-building grant in the non-profit housing sector. One of Emma’s most memorable experiences was working on the Millbrook First Nation community plan, which involved hosting monthly Elder lunches and playing music bingo, a meaningful and rewarding way to build relationships.
It showed me how I can carry my values into my work.
Her work at OSO wasn’t confined to an office. Sometimes she traveled for engagements, and other times she was immersed in research and writing. Emma also co-facilitated a participatory mural installation at the Downtown Atlantic Conference and the Downtown Halifax Business Commission’s Vision 2030 event. “Being able to see how community-led planning actually plays out in real life was so impactful,” she says. “Relationship-building is such a key part of making real change happen.”
Emma’s co-op experience was transformative, bridging the gap between academic learning and professional practice. It strengthened her confidence, honed her technical and interpersonal skills, and solidified her career goals. “I liked the work I was doing, and it helped me figure out which areas of planning I want to focus on. It also showed me how I can carry my values into my work."
Emma’s impact at OSO was undeniable, leading to an exciting opportunity: a full-time role upon graduation. Reflecting on her journey, Emma encourages future co-op students to take initiative and embrace every opportunity. “Be curious, ask questions, and advocate for yourself. Put yourself in positions where you can get involved and make an impact.”
Her journey is a testament to the power of work-integrated learning by turning curiosity into impact and passion into a career.